cost to rent a yacht for a weekend

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How much does it cost to charter a yacht?

There are many things to consider and first time charterers can be left confused, that's why we've created a comprehensive guide to yacht charter prices (with a checklist).

The good news: It’s easy to grasp the basics of yacht charter pricing. And with one of our experts in your corner, we can help you more accurately estimate the cost of your next once-in-a-lifetime vacation.

The cost of a yacht charter is dependent on a number of factors, including the type of yacht, the charter destination, local taxes, and the base cost. (If the yacht has a celebrity owner, well that too, can add to the cost.)

Therefore, yacht charters have a wide range of base prices. That’s why charters can cost from $10,000 per week on smaller sailing yachts and catamarans, up to $150,000+ per week on the most luxurious motor superyachts.

What else can you expect to pay? This overview – a part of our planning resource, the Charter Advice Guide – offers an in-depth look at charter yacht costs.

Yacht Charter Price Structure: “All-Inclusive” vs “Plus Expenses”

In the world of yachting, two types of crewed yacht charters are available to you – “All-Inclusive” and “Plus Expenses” charter experiences. What do these terms mean exactly? Here’s a quick look:

• All-Inclusive Yacht Charters – Some charters (mainly catamaran and monohull charters in the Virgin Islands) offer all-inclusive rates. That means rates are based on the number of guests, and they include all food and drink, water sports, and fuel costs. Dockage and taxes, though, are usually charged separately.
• Plus Expenses Charters – Rates for larger motor yachts do not include running expenses, which must be paid separately. For these luxury charters, the base price is for the yacht only. Additional expenses, i.e. food, bar, fuel, dockage, port taxes, and other expenses, are charged separately. Most frequently, the running expenses are paid by an Advance Provisioning Allowance, or APA, which is typically 35% of the base price; this is an amount that’s paid prior to the charter.

Our chart below offers a quick overview of what’s included in both of these types of charters.

Average Yacht Charter Cost: Base Prices

What can you expect to pay for a catamaran, a sailing vessel, or motored yacht? Here’s a quick overview of the average cost to rent a yacht (not including extra expenses) for the most common types available:

Factors that Affect Yacht Charter Prices

Since charter yachts are privately owned, prices are set by the owner. This can explain, in part, the wide range of differences in price between boats of similar lengths. Yet, several other factors can significantly impact price, including:

• The Yacht – The year the boat was built, the builder, previous owners, and the boat’s selection of water toys can also increase the cost of a yacht. Boats can also develop a reputation, i.e. the largest or most luxurious, or having a famous builder or previous owner. Reputation can also affect pricing.
• Season – Prices typically increase in the high season – i.e. high summer in the Mediterranean or winter in the Caribbean – and decrease in low seasons.
• Destination – Your charter destination also plays a role in charter cost. For example, prices increase in areas without large charter fleets (i.e. the Galapagos), whereas Bahamas yacht charters,   BVI charters , or Mediterranean yacht charter are priced more competitively.

Additional Costs Considerations on Yacht Charter

In addition to the cost associated with running the yacht and provisioning, there are a number of other costs that must be considered. These are the most significant:

Advanced Provisioning Allowance

The APA on Plus Expenses charters equals roughly 35% of the yacht’s base price. This is a fee that’s collected prior to charter, and it’s similar to an expense account the captain can access during the charter. At the end of the charter, you will receive a detailed accounting of your APA account, plus any unused APA funds in cash.

In the case of overages, you may be required to replenish the APA account during the charter. This can be done with cash, although many choose to set up accounts with their charter brokers , which can be accessed if requested by the captain.

Taxes and Value Added Tax (VAT)

Most boats – whether all-inclusive or Plus Expenses – will not include local taxes or a Value Added Tax into their charter rate. The charterer will be responsible for paying those taxes. Taxes range significantly by destination; here’s a look at some of yachting’s most popular destinations:

• The Bahamas – Tax: 4% plus 10% VAT
• BVI – Tax: between $6 and $16 per person per day, depending on the flag of the boat
• Croatia – VAT: 13%
• Florida – Tax: 6% for Broward County, 7% for Miami-Dade County
• France – VAT: 20%, however, 10% can be applied when an itinerary includes International Waters
• Greece – VAT: 12%
• Italy – VAT: 22%, however 6.6% (over 24m) and 8.8% (under 24m) can be applied when an itinerary includes International Waters
• Montenegro – NO VAT
• New England – NO TAX
• Spain – VAT: 21%
• Turkey – NO VAT

Charterers can purchase cancellation and curtailment insurance – which is similar to traveler’s insurance. This insurance can help cover costs if a charterer must cancel or shorten the charter. Charter brokers can help you weigh insurance options, and often offer several different options.

Crew Gratuity

While crew gratuity is certainly not mandatory, it is recommended, particularly if you were truly impressed with your charter experience. In general, crew gratuity is roughly 15-20% of the base charter rate, which is handed to the captain at the conclusion of your charter.

Delivery Fees

While these fees do not apply on most charters, you may be asked to pay delivery costs if you are not chartering in the yacht’s normal cruising ground. In most cases, you will only be required to cover the fuel for the trip.

Call Worldwide Boat today to learn more. Our Charter Specialists are here to assist you with every detail and explain all charter costs. Or read our Charter Advice guide for more information and tips for planning your charter vacation.

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Additional Charter Cost FAQs

What are standard private charter yacht prices?

There are a number of factors that affect charter yacht pricing. However, on average, a week-long private yacht charter costs anywhere from $10,000 on luxurious sailing yachts and catamarans, and up to $150,000 for superyachts.

What affects charter yacht prices?

There are several things that influence how much your yacht charter will cost. The type of vessel, charter destination, length of trip, base cost, time of year, and local taxes all make a difference.

How much does it cost for a crewed vessel?

Charter yacht prices do increase when hiring a crew along with the boat. At Worldwide Boat, we offer two types of crewed charter experiences: all-inclusive and plus expenses. An all-inclusive charter yacht includes accommodation for all guests, food and drink, water sport activities, and fuel costs – dockage fees and taxes are charged separately. A plus expenses experience accounts for just the yacht’s base price. Things like food, drinks, fuel, dockages, taxes, and other expenses are charged separately and are usually estimated to be about 35% of the base price.

What’s included in all-inclusive boat charters?

At Worldwide Boat, your all-inclusive charter experience includes a diligent and friendly crew, water toys, food, drinks, fuel, water and electric services, and occasionally diving experiences.

What are some additional charter boat costs to consider?

After finding a base price you’re comfortable with and evaluating your package, you’ll also want to consider delivery fees, crew gratuity, insurance fees, taxes, and Advanced Provisioning Allowance rates. If you are responsible for these fees, your crew will handle the necessary transactions on your behalf.

What does it cost to rent a 100- foot yacht charter?

This depends on what type of vessel you’re looking at and how long you’ll need it for. The average weekly cost of a 100-foot sailing yacht is between $50,000-100,000. A weekly 80-foot catamaran charter runs around $40,000-100,000, and a week-long 100-foot motor yacht rental is anywhere between $50,000-80,000.

Does the price to rent a yacht change depending on what type of boat it is?

Yes. Worldwide Boat offers sailing yachts, catamarans, and motor yachts. All of these vessels have different capabilities, but there are other factors that determine the price beyond what type of boat you choose. The year the boat was built, owner, availability of water toys, onboard amenities, and the ship’s reputation can all change how much the ship is priced at.

When is the high season for yacht charters?

The price of a yacht fluctuates depending on the season. A Mediterranean yacht charter cost rises in the summer and drops in the winter, whereas Caribbean boat charter prices are high during the winter and lower in the summer months.

How does my destination affect charter yacht cost?

The more remote an area is, the more expensive it will be to charter a yacht there. That’s because prices go up in areas that have fewer boats. If you were to travel somewhere like the Galapagos, which isn’t a typical yacht destination, you’d pay more than you would if you were traveling to the Caribbean.

How much do I tip the crew when reviewing my yacht charter expenses?

It’s not required that you tip your crew, but it is recommended and appreciated. If you had an enjoyable experience it’s considered polite to tip your crew anywhere from 15-20% at the end of your charter.

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How Much Does It Cost to Charter a Yacht? (Price Chart)

Yachts are luxurious boats you can rent for the weekend for the required price. Typically, a yacht charter cost depends on its length and desired amenities. The advantage of this option is in absolute freedom, so rigid commercial cruise ship timings and crowd won’t restrict your enjoyment.

There are two possibilities with such a choice. You can enjoy privacy or pick out the yachts with the crew dedicated to your needs. In both cases, you will have an unforgettable sailing time but be prepared that such a pleasure will cost you a lot. Let’s see.

What Yacht Charter Is?

Yacht charter is actually renting an owner’s yacht for an agreed period, typically a week. An average yacht charter can cost you about $12,500 per week in the high season, while prices are lower in the low season.

You can find a comfortable yacht for $10,000 per week in that period. You will have full access to all available amenities while sailing, like:

• Swimming pool
• Water toys, such as equipment for water skiing, wakeboarding , or snorkeling

You can charter a yacht anywhere worldwide. The only condition is to find the port and yacht type you want to rent. Most owners will provide an experienced captain and crew, and it is practically impossible renting a yacht longer than 50 feet (15 m) to sail on your own.

The yacht’s crew will care for all your needs during charters, including ferrying, providing meals, or washing laundry.

If you want to be a captain , you need to have the Yachtmaster Ocean license, but some countries require the equivalent license. In that case, you should find a smaller yacht or a possibly bigger one located in Croatia.

However, the first step is to determine the yacht type suitable for your needs that you want to rent.

Crewed Catamaran

Popular Catamaran is suitable for group sailing and offers enough space, comfort, luxury, and privacy. You can charter this boat type when looking for a family vacation at an affordable price.

You should take advantage of Catamarans convenience and discover beautiful bays while dining close to the water. Modern fittings and experienced crews will offer the feeling of being on a luxurious yacht, but with the freedom of a sailing yacht.

Crewed Sailing yacht

This yacht is a comfortable option to enjoy sailing surrounded by luxury. Sailing yachts excellently head upwind but are suitable only for experienced sailors.

Crewed Motor yacht

This option is for you when you know the exact location to visit and have a precise itinerary in advance. So, this boat will allow you to get there while spending relaxing time.

Crewed Superyacht

Superyacht offers the holiday like in a 5-star-hotel. The cabins are comfortable, often with hot tubs and an exercise room. Plus, you have internet access and luxury water toys at your disposal at any moment.

Such a charter vacation will cost you at least $15,500 per week for a 65.5 feet (20 m) long yacht. A maximum price can go to approximately $3,400,000 per week for 450 feet (135 m) long super luxury yacht.

Factors That Affect Yacht Charter Costs

Yachts are almost always privately owned, so yacht charter costs primarily depend on the owner’s demand. That is a reason for the wide price range in this field, but some general frameworks still exist and are related to several factors.

The yacht production year, design, brand, water toys, crew reputation, and the previous owner will significantly affect the yacht charter costs . Boats with a reputation as the most luxurious or largest and those whose former owners are celebrities will be more pricey.

For instance, the iconic charter yacht ‘Highlander’ has higher rates for so-called fame value since it hosted many celebrities, including Elizabeth Taylor and Prince Charles.

However, the yacht size will have the most significant impact on the renting price. Simply said, the bigger yachts will cost you more.

For instance, a week’s charter will cost you approximately $20,000 to $80,000 when you pick out a 65 to 80 feet (20 – 24.5 m) yacht. On the other hand, renting an 80 to 100 feet (24.5 – 30.5 m) long model is more expensive, and its price will be $80,000 and $120,000.

As you can expect, a weekly charter rate for over 100 feet (30.5 m) long superyacht is at least $100,000 and often more expensive. Renting a super-luxury mega yacht longer than 200 feet (61 m) goes from at least $300,000 to over $1,000,000.

In rare cases, you can find a charter fee discount offer. It is always time-limited, typically when a particular boat has a gap in the charter calendar due to an unexpected cancellation.

Destination

As you can expect, the charter destination plays a significant part in charter costs. For example, Mediterranean and Bahamas yacht charters prices are more competitive, while places without large charter fleets will be more costly.

Typically, all charters outside the USVI and BVI will be expensive since cruising permits and taxes for remote destinations are higher. Finally, sailing to Alaska can be pricey since renting is available only for half a year because of the harsh weather. You will probably need to make a reservation in advance.

Trip duration

In most cases, the yacht charter is for seven to ten days on average, but sometimes owners accept a shorter duration. In such rare cases, a minimum stay is five days.

The trip length directly affects the charter costs. If the primary price included two hours of sailing , you should count on a 50% higher rate when deciding to use the yacht for three hours.

Be aware that the yacht charter price won’t go down for longer holidays, so you won’t get a discount and pay less when renting the boat for a longer period. The price for a week is the same whether you rent a boat for a week, two weeks, or a month.

Yacht charter prices vary depending on the season, like most other touristic services. Therefore, you can expect higher rental costs during the high season. However, you should be careful with dates since they are not the same for all destinations.

For instance, high seasons in the Caribbean are New Year’s Eve, Christmas, and all February. On the other hand, you should count on the highest prices in July and August when you plan to sail in the Mediterranean.

The yacht charter rates are often higher during famous festivals, carnivals, and shows. The most expensive destinations based on dates include:

• Olympic destination
• The Film Festival in Cannes
• Grand Prix in Monaco
• America’s Cup

If you only want to use a yacht during your vacation, you should plan sailing carefully. Sometimes, only a difference of one week can significantly affect the charter costs.

In other words, you can rent a boat the first low season week when the weather conditions are still the same as the previous high season week. However, it will cost you 15% to 30%, or approximately $6,000 to $30,000 less, depending on the yacht length.

The number of passengers

The group size is a primary thing you should consider before renting a yacht since it will directly influence the yacht type you need.

For instance, a monohull boat is ideal for a small family, but a group of 8 to 10 will need at least a catamaran. Finally, you should pick out a large yacht when planning a big party for many people.

All-inclusive or plus expenses

1. all-inclusive.

It is a complete service you can get for your money. In this case, the rates include:

• Accompanying crew
• Meals and snacks
• Open standard bar drinking
• Onboard watersports equipment

Be aware that there are some limitations regarding excessive consumption as well as consuming champagnes, extraordinary brands, and vintage wines.

A standard crew gratuity of 15 to 20% of the charter rate is excluded from the all-inclusive charter. Finally, you will need to pay separately for the final cleaning, insurance , dockage, and necessary taxes.

All-inclusive is an excellent option for renting monohull charters, catamarans, and yachts under 80 feet (24.5 m).

2. Plus expenses

This service typically includes:

• Yacht with the crew
• Yacht insurance

In this case, you should pay for all operating expenses at cost, including:

• Food and drink
• Consumables
• Communications
• Dockage, cruising taxes, port fees, and port agent fees

Typically, the owner will charge these extra costs from an Advance Provisioning Allowance, increasing the yacht charter fee by 30 to 35%.

It is the most often option on motor yachts, higher-end sailing yachts, and superyachts since the overall costs significantly vary, depending on the number of passengers and their demands.

This term includes many different equipment and amenities, like:

• Paddleboard
• Underwater sea bob
• High-powered smaller boat (yacht tender)
• Personal submarine

Some super luxury yachts can also come with:

Since the primary price doesn’t include these toys, you need to pay for the required ones.

Other factors

The owner will always recommend you to consider paying for optional extras, like:

The outboard engine – It will cost you €80 (approximately $90) to the charter cost but save you from rowing ashore in case of an accident.

Safety net – It is necessary equipment if you sail with children, which will cost you €80 (approximately $90) for one.

Adding crew – Paying for a cook or hostess can be convenient for a private cruise if you can afford it. That satisfaction will cost you €100 (approximately $110) a day, but keep in mind that the chef’s daily allowance is slightly higher.

Skipper – A professional help is always welcome, so you should consider hiring a skipper to find the best routes and places worth visiting.

Food costs for the crew – You should need to include the food for the crew on the paying list.

Yacht chartering is an excellent way to vacation and discover exotic islands and beautiful waterfront towns. You should pick out a boat of the proper size and a reputable yacht broker to help you with the organization. It is an expensive but ultimate pleasure you will remember for life.

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How much does it cost to charter a yacht?

A comprehensive breakdown of yacht charter costs and fees

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By Editorial Team   15 January 2024

Navigating the world of crewed yacht charters for the first time can be daunting, with numerous factors to consider. To clarify and assist, we have compiled a thorough guide on yacht charter costs, complete with a handy checklist so you can estimate the total cost for your vacation before you start searching for your ideal yacht.

Cost breakdown.

Charter fee of xxx

+ xxx % APA ( xxx )

+ xxx % Tax/VAT ( xxx )

Total = $ xxx

In this article:

• Base charter fee

Why do charter fees differ between yachts?

• Charter contracts

Advanced Provisioning Allowance (APA)

• Crew gratuities

Fuel and dockage fees

Insurance: what does it cover, payment structure.

Planning a yacht charter is thrilling yet challenging, particularly when it comes to budgeting. The starting point is the yacht's base price, the weekly rental fee. But what about additional costs such as meals, beverages, local taxes, or fuel? How do these affect the overall cost? The encouraging part is that understanding yacht charter fees is straightforward. With guidance from our seasoned professionals, you can gain a clearer idea of the expenditure for your dream vacation. Yacht charter costs vary based on several elements: the yacht type, destination, local taxes, dates and the age of the yacht. Yacht charter prices span a broad spectrum. For instance, smaller sailing yachts and catamarans may start at around $10,000 per week, whereas more luxurious motor superyachts can exceed $100,000 per week. Wondering about other expenses? Our Charter Advice Guide, a key part of our planning resources, delves deep into the specifics of yacht charter costs.

After you have chosen your desired yacht, your yacht broker will prepare a legally binding contract; usually a standard agreement with conditions set by the terms applicable to the destination. Before you sign on the dotted line, it is important that you understand what it is that you are paying for and when it is due.

Base charter fee: All-Inclusive vs Plus Expenses

When it comes to crewed luxury yacht charters, you can choose from two types of vacations- "All-Inclusive" or  "Plus Expenses" charter experiences. But what do these classifications entail? Let's briefly compare:

• All-Inclusive Yacht Charters Certain charters, particularly small catamaran and monohull sailboat charters in the Virgin Islands, wooden Gulets in Turkey or Phinisis in Indonesia, offer different all-inclusive pricing packages. This means that the rates depend on the number of guests and cover some or all meals and beverages, water sports, and fuel expenses. However, dockage fees and taxes are typically billed as additional costs.
• Plus Expenses Charters The rates for larger sailing or motor yachts are exclusive of operational costs, which are to be paid additionally. With these high-end charters, the base rate covers only the yacht rental. Extra charges, such as for food, beverages, fuel, dockage, port taxes, and other expenses, are billed separately. These running costs are usually covered by an Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA) payment, generally set at 20-35% of the base charter rate depending on the size and location of the yacht. This amount is paid before the start of the charter.

The table below gives a quick comparision of what is generally included in the price for both charter types.

Plus Expenses Charter Costs

In essence the base charter fee refers to the hire cost of the yacht itself, and implies that the yacht will be provided to you in full commission, with all equipment in working order and the yacht properly insured for marine risks.

In addition, the cost of the crew’s food, wages and clothing will be met by the owner for the entirety of the charter. 

Charter rates are typically quoted per week (7 days), which in superyacht terms is generally accepted as the minimum period for yacht charters – although this is by no means set in stone.

The APA in Plus Expenses charters is typically about 25-40% of the yacht's base weekly charter rate (based on the size of yacht, location and yacht's fuel efficiency). This fee is collected before the start of the charter and acts like an expense fund that the captain can utilize during the trip to cover costs such as fuel, food and beverages, dockage fees and ad hoc incidental expenses.  At the end of the charter the captain will prepare a detailed statement of the APA expenditures, along with any unspent APA funds returned in cash.

Should expenses exceed the initial APA, you might need to top up the fund during the charter. This replenishment can be done in cash, but many opt to establish accounts with their charter brokers. These accounts can then be accessed upon the captain's request for additional funds.

Taxes & Value Added Tax (VAT)

For most yachts, regardless of being All-Inclusive or Plus Expenses , local taxes or Value Added Tax are NOT incorporated into their charter rate. It falls upon the charterer to pay these tax expenses before the charter commences. Tax rates can vary greatly depending on the destination; here's an brief overview of tax rates in some of the most sought-after yachting locations:

In the European Union (EU) recent harmonising changes to tax laws have affected VAT rates across most of the Mediterranean region. EU tax laws state that VAT will apply to vessels embarking or disembarking within their waters, although rates for VAT vary depending on the European destination. In France the current rate is 20% and in Italy it is 22%, whilst Turkey and Montenegro both charge 0% for EU-flagged yachts cruising their waters.

VAT also applies to yacht charters cruising The Bahamas , plus may also apply in some Caribbean islands.

Please consult your yacht charter broker  for further personalized advice if considering chartering in any of these areas.

Charter Free: £100,000 p/w +30% APA + 14% TAX/VAT

Crew Gratuities

Although tipping is optional, it's customary to leave a gratuity for the crew. The typical range for tips is between 10-20%, and it should reflect the quality of service you and your guests experienced during your yacht charter.

It's best practice to hand over crew gratuities to the captain for distribution, ensuring that every crew member is fairly recognized. This approach is important because there are often less visible crew members, like the engineer and sous chef, working diligently behind the scenes to guarantee the success of your charter. It would be unfair for their contributions to go unrecognized.

Cancellation Insurance

Charterers have the option to buy cancellation and curtailment insurance, akin to travel insurance. This insurance can provide coverage for costs in case the charter needs to be canceled or shortened. Charter brokers are equipped to assist in evaluating different insurance choices and typically offer a variety of options.

Delivery Fees

These fees are not typical for most charters, but if your charter takes place outside the yacht's regular cruising territory or a significant distance from its homeport, you might need to pay delivery fees. Usually, this will just involve covering the fuel costs for the journey.

The charter fee varies from one yacht to another for a number of reasons, such as its size, age, onboard amenities and time of year the yacht is chartered. We've listed below some of the most common factors that affect the base rate of a rental yacht.

Charter seasons

A yacht charter season can refer to the weather patterns of a particular destination or the peak times when demand for charter yachts is at its highest. Yacht charter seasons, therefore, are broken down into two distinct categories: Summer/Winter, and High/Low season. 

In terms of the yacht's base charter fee, high season rates will apply to the most popular periods for yacht charters – such as July and August in the Mediterranean or Christmas and New Year in the Caribbean . Low season rates will generally apply to all other periods.

Event pricing

Major events such as the Monaco Grand Prix and Cannes Film Festival are generally categorised as high season events , regardless of where they fall in the season, with yacht prices generally higher around these dates due to popular demand.

Unless you are keen to charter a yacht for a particular high season event, it is worth considering your dates carefully.

Shoulder seasons

The months straddling the high and low seasons are known as shoulder months, for example April and September for yacht charters around the Mediterranean, and can share much of the same weather and beautiful cruising conditions as the peak season whilst charter rates tend to be lower, making these months a great time for chartering a yacht.

• Onboard amenities

Aside from seasons and events, yachts of the same size can often differ in price based on their onboard amenities. A yacht which boasts a cinema or lavish water toys may have a higher base rate compared with a yacht with minimal amenities of the same size.

If the pricing is unclear, be sure to ask your yacht broker to explain any disparities. 

Once you are clear on the base charter fee of your chosen yacht, it is important to learn about the additional costs that will be applied on top, depending on the type of charter contract used.

MYBA Charter Agreement

The most widely used contract for yacht charters is a MYBA agreement (Worldwide Yachting Association, formerly known as Mediterranean Yacht Brokers Association), which operates under Western Mediterranean Terms (WMT) . 

This contract, often referred to as a "plus all expenses" contract, requires that you pay for items, such as fuel, delivery fees, food and drink, local taxes and dockage fees, as an additional expense applied over the base charter fee.

Typically, a charter party (this is the collective term for the total number of guests on a charter) will accumulate additional costs of between 25% to 30% of the base charter fee, depending on what is consumed. These expenses can be tracked through the use of an Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA) which we will cover in the next section.

Other charter contracts

Caribbean Terms Inclusive (CTI) – sometimes referred to as Standard Caribbean Terms (SCT) – is another contract regularly used by the yachting industry, the terms of which are generally employed by smaller yacht charters in the Caribbean. 

Otherwise known as a "mostly all-inclusive" agreement, CTI differs from Western Mediterranean Terms as it includes three meals, plus up to four hours cruising, per day.

In addition to the commonly used MYBA terms and Caribbean Terms Inclusive, there are also less frequently used terms such as Standard Eastern Mediterranean Terms (SEMT) and Greek Terms (GT). 

SEMT operates much in the same way as CTI, except it includes only two meals per day for guests instead of three, as it is assumed guests will dine ashore in the evenings. Greek Terms are similar to the MYBA terms apart from harbour and berthing fees, which are included under GT terms so long as they are within Greek waters.

If you are unsure what is included under the terms of your contract, be sure to ask your yacht charter broker .

For more in-depth information, please see our guide on yacht charter contracts below.

Typically, the APA accrues to approximately 25% to 30% of the base charter fee, though this does of course depend on your charter party’s tastes and requirements and could be far less or far greater than this estimation. For instance, charter guests who intend to regularly dine on caviar and vintage wine can expect to pay more, whereas guests on a sailing yacht charter that is anchored at sea for most nights can expect to save on fuel costs and hefty marina fees. 

You can request an APA estimate from your yacht broker based on your charter party's onboard expectations.

What happens next?

The APA is payable one month prior to boarding the charter yacht (see 'Payment Structure' below), and is generally paid direct to the Captain.

Once the APA has been paid it will then be retained as a bank account of sorts, from which the Chef can provision the yacht ready for your charter and the Captain can make expenditures while keeping a strict record of what has been spent. It is important to note that all additional costs incurred throughout the charter are charged at cost with no mark-up.

At any point during the vacation you can request an up-to-date summary of the accounts as a way of keeping track of expenditures.

When you think of fuel costs, you may think of what is consumed by the yacht over the course of your charter.

However, there are further fuel costs to take into account that you may not have considered. These include;

• Personal watercraft toys, such as jet skis
• Tender boats used for transporting guests to and from the yacht, or for water sports activities
• A yacht's generators whilst at anchor (shore-side electricty is used when docked at a marina)

Furthermore, the distance travelled and the speed at which the yacht cruises also affects the overall fuel costs, so it is important to bear these factors in mind when settling on your itinerary. 

Dockage fees

These may vary widely depending on the destination and time of year from minimal to extravagant (think Port Hercule in Monaco during the Grand Prix).

If you are interested in booking any nights in marinas during your yacht charter, you should liaise with your broker who can advise on the various options available, including prices, around your chosen location and dates.

In general, the base charter fee of a yacht will include insurance for marine risk and third party liability insurance, which covers accidental damage and personal injury. It will also cover use of the yacht's watertoys and equipment.

Additional insurance

Although insurance is not generally connected to charter costs, it is useful to consider should you wish to take out additional insurance such as Cancellation and Curtailment cover which is calculated at 2.5% of the charter fee for the unforeseen cancellation of a charter, and can prove a worthwhile investment as well as providing peace of mind.

You should check with your broker about the level of insurance built into your charter contract before signing. 

Other taxes 

Local taxes may also apply in certain countries, therefore it is important to speak with your yacht charter broker to clarify what additional taxes are applicable to your chosen destination and itinerary.

Whilst the payment structure can vary depending on the contract, in general charter payments are made as follows;

• 50% of the charter fee is payable upon signing the charter agreement, which confirms the booking.
• The remaining 50% of the charter fee, APA (usually between 25-30% of the base charter fee), delivery and/or re-delivery fees, applicable taxes, plus any additional agreed amounts are payable one month prior to commencement of the yacht charter.
• Any balance of monies due are to be paid on the first working day prior to completion of the yacht charter.

For further clarification of the payment structure for your yacht charter, please speak with your broker.

The base charter fee for a yacht can differ for a number of reasons, including;

• Size and age of the yacht
• High/low seasons, and major events such as the Monaco Grand Prix

There will also be additional amounts to pay on top of the yacht's base charter fee, which can include;

• Advanced Provisioning Allowance (roughly 25-30% of the yacht's base fee and includes all charter expenditure such as food, fuel and marina fees)
• Additional insurance, such as Cancellation and Curtailment Insurance
• VAT and other taxes

It is important for you to understand the entire payment structure to ensure no unpleasant surprises arise whilst enjoying your vacation.

If you wish to know more about costs relating to your yacht charter, please speak with your preferred yacht broker for more information.

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